Geomorphological Mapping

lterations in river morphological quality are derived from quantification of human pressures as well as river morphological alteration. Taleghan River is an important source of water for the irrigation of Agri cultural lands in Qazvin Plain. For some economic considerations of Taleghan dam reservoir on the river as well as geology, some reaches of the river have undergone alterations. It seems important to morphological quality assessment in order to planning issues. Our study’s aim is to contribute to the morphological quality evaluation based on a revisited Morphological Quality Index (rMQI) protocol. The rMQI scoring system allows for the quantification of changes when compared to reference conditions. The rMQI corresponds to less than 30%, reflecting a good morphological quality; the rMQI corresponds to more than 30%, reflecting an extremely poor morphological quality. In this context, the paper presents all of the Taleghan River reaches suffer from an extremely poor morphological quality. Causes of degradation are meandering as well as numerous anthropogenic pressures in the upstream part of the basin. In order to revive Taleghan River as well as improve its water quality, preserving and remediating native vegetation, prevention and remediation of land use degradation in upstream's basin as well as river bank erosion control measures can use hard and soft strategies engineering are recommended.

PËRMBLEDHJE

Dihet se është e pamundur të rindërtohet zhvillimi i peizazhit vetëm prej hartave topografike. Prandaj, prej më shumë se rreth 100 vjet, përdoren studimet dhe hartat gjeomorfologjike në të cilat përshkruhen veçoritë morfografike, ndërtimi strukturor dhe morfologjia (duke treguar format e relievit dhe gjenezën e tyre). Ndërsa, në vitin 1960 u përcaktuan disa koncepte edhe për hartën gjeomorfologjike të detajuar. Sot, në shumë vende, hartografimi i detajuar gjeomorfologjik  është bërë metoda kryesore e rilevimit gjeomorfologjik. Gjatë dekadave të fundit të shekullit të XX, ky hartografim u shfaq kryesisht në dy mënyra: analitike, e cila bazohej në informacionin rreth gjenezës, morfografisë, morfometrisë dhe kronologjisë, dhe sintetike ku, të dhënat analitike kombinoheshin me parametra të tillë si: tokat, bimësia dhe hidrologjia. Sipas një mënyre të tretë, pragmatiste, mblidhej informacion vetëm në lidhje me qëllimin e veçantë. Një shembull i kësaj mënyre janë hartat e gjeorreziqeve që përqëndroheshin vetëm në proceset dhe veçoritë përgjegjëse të rreziqeve në mjedis.
Aktualisht, legjendat gjeomorfologjike janë të ndryshme prej njera tjetrës, por shumica e tyre në përgjithësi kanë 5 pjesë: të dhëna të përgjithëshme;  të dhëna të detajuara litologjike, hidrografike dhe strukturore; informacion rreth faktit se në çfarë shkalle janë siguruar apo plotësuar të dhënat morfologjike, morfometrike, morfogjenetike dhe morfokronologjike;  inventarin/inventarizimin e formave (zakonisht 200-550 simbole; 15 gjeneza); informacion rreth përgatitjes së legjendës. Gjeomorfologët dhe hartografët po bëjnë përpjekje të vazhdueshme në drejtim të zhvillimit të një legjendë uniforme dhe të aplikueshme në të gjitha llojet e peizazheve. Me përdorimin e Sistemeve të Informacionit Gjeografik, është menjanuar tërësisht problemi i shtrirjes në hapësirë të simboleve të legjendës.
Përparësitë teknike, gjatë këtyre dy dekadave të fundit, kanë lehtësuar ndërtimin e hartave gjeomorfologjike edhe në Shqipëri, ku janë ndërtuar disa harta gjeomorfologjike të përgjithëshme dhe të detajuara, për tërë territorin dhe për pjesë të veçanta të tij deri në shkallën 1:10000. Por, pavarësisht nga ky zhvillim teknik, hartat gjeomorfologjike, akoma kanë kufizimet e tyre në përshkrimin e peizazhit, veçanërisht të veçorive nënsipërfaqësore, në mungesën e detajeve dhe në subjektivitetin e autorëve. 
Çështje të shumta konceptuale teorike dhe të informacionit e teknologjisë janë në zemër të hartografimit gjeomorfologjik dixhital (HGjD), por progresi shkencor nuk ka mbajtur ritëm të njejtë me teknologjitë e reja gjeohapsinore që evoluojnë me shpejtësi. Për rrjedhojë, mundësitë apo aftësitë e reja ekzistojnë, por shumë çështje nuk janë adresuar në mënyrë adekuate. Prandaj, ky punim diskuton themelet konceptuale dhe ilustron se si gjeomorfometria dhe hartografimi mund të përdoren për të prodhuar informacion gjeomorfologjik në lidhje me sipërfaqen e tokës dhe landformat, ritmet e procesit, marrëdhëniet proces-formë dhe sistemet gjeomorfike.
Punimi bën një analizë teorike të përmbajtjes, klasifikimit, simbolizimit dhe përdorimit të hartave gjeomorfologjike nën dritën e koncepteve të reja të gjeoinformacionit. Një vend me rëndësi zë edhe trajtimi i metodave gjeomorfologjike dhe procedurave automatike në hartografimin gjeomorfologjik.

Fjalë kyçe: gjeomorfologji, hartë gjeomorfologjike, hartografimi gjeomorfologjik, përdorimi i hartave gjeomorfologjike, GmIS.


SUMMARY

It is known that it is impossible to rebuild the landscape development by only topographic maps. Therefore, for more than 100 years, are used the studies and geomorphological maps in which are described morphological features, structural construction and morphology (showing forms of relief and their genesis). While, in 1960 year, are defined several concepts about detailed geomorphological map. Geomorphological detailed mapping is done today, in many countries, the main method of geomorphological surveying. During the last decades of the twentieth century, this mapping appeared mainly in two different ways: analytical, which is based on information about the genesis, morphography, morphometry and chronology, and synthetic in which, is combined analytical data with parameters such as land, vegetation and hydrology. According to a third way, pragmatic way, is derived information only about the particular purpose.  An example of this approach are natural hazards maps that focus only on processes and responsible features of environmental risks.
At present, geomorphological legends are very different from one to another, but in general, most of them have 5 parts: general information; detailed lithological, structural hydrographic data; information about the fact that to what extent are insured or meet morphological, morphometric, morphogenetic and morphocronologic data; inventory of forms (typically 200 to 550 symbols; 15 genesis); information about the preparation of the legend. Geomorphologs and cartographers are constantly trying to develop a uniform legend and applicable to all types of landscapes. Using Geographic Information Systems, it is completely eliminated the problem of alignment in space of legend symbols.
Technical advantages during these two decades have facilitated the construction of geomorphological maps in Albania, where are created several detailed geomorphological maps for the whole territory and its separate parts in the scale 1: 25000. But, despite this technical development, geomorphological maps still have their limitations in describing the landscape, especially in subsurface features precisely the lack of detail and the subjectivity of the authors.
Numerous theoretical conceptual and information technology issues are at the heart of digital geomorphologic mapping (DGmM), but scientific progress has not kept the same pace to innovative geospatial technologies that evolve rapidly. Consequently, opportunities or new skills exist, but many issues are not adequately addressed. Therefore, this paper discusses the conceptual foundations and illustrates how geomorphometry and mapping can be used to produce geomorphological information about the earth's surface and landforms, the pace of the process, relationships process-shape and geomorphic systems.
The paper makes a theoretical analysis of the content, classification, symbolism and geomorphological mapping using the light of new concepts of geo-information. In this paper are treated geomorphological methods and automatic procedures of geomorphologic mapping.

Keywords: gjeomorfologji, geomorphological mapping, geomorphologic mapping, the use of geomorphological mapping, GmIS.

A review is given of the techniques that are available to extract relevant information from multi-temporal aerial photographs for use in the monitoring stage of landslide assessments. It is shown that aerial photograph interpretation reveals qualitative information on surface characteristics, which is helpful in detecting landslide features and inferring the mechanisms involved. Photogrammetrically derived products can be used to quantify these processes, providing distinctive advantages. Comparison of digital elevation models (DEMs) from different times provides detailed information on changes in surface topography, whereas orthophotos can be used to measure horizontal displacements. The various factors influencing the quality of the products are also identified. Examples from a case study on the Mam Tor landslide are used to illustrate the benefits of the different approaches.

The objective of this work is to propose a geomorphologically-guided method for the interpretation of L-band ALOS/PALSAR interferograms created by Differential Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (D-InSAR). The in- terferograms are used to estimate the deformation pattern of two rapid and large landslides (Poche, La Valette; South East France). The wrapped and unwrapped phase values are interpreted for different movement types (rotational, translational, and complex sliding) and two ranges of surface displacement rates. Kinematic sub- units are detected for both landslides, and zones affected by enlargement or retrogression are identified. The InSAR-derived displacement rates are consistent with ground-based measurements and with remote estimates of the displacement from C-band and X-band satellite SAR sensors. The results demonstrate the potential of L-band ALOS/PALSAR imagery for the monitoring of active landslides with important changes in the soil surface state and covered by vegetation.

This paper demonstrates the value of historical aerial photographs for assessing long-term landslide evolution. The study focused on two case histories, the Mam Tor and East Pentwyn landslides. In both case histories we explored the variety of data that could be derived relatively easily using an ordinary PC desktop, commercially available software and commonly available photographic material. The techniques to unlock qualitative and quantitative data captured in the photographic archive were based on the principles of aerial photo-interpretation and photogrammetry. The products created comprised geomorphological maps, automatically derived digital elevation models (DEMs), displacement vectors and animations. The measured horizontal displacements of the Mam Tor landslide ranged from 0.09 to 0.74 m a−1 between 1953 and 1999, which was verified by independent survey data. Moreover, the observed displacement patterns were consistent with photo-interpreted geomorphological information. The photogrammetric measurements from the East Pentwyn landslide (horizontal displacements up to 6 m a−1 between 1971 and 1973) also showed a striking resemblance to independent data. In both case histories, the vertical accuracy was insufficient for detecting significant elevation changes. Nevertheless, DEMs proved to be a powerful tool for visualization. Overall, the results in this study validated the techniques used and strongly encourage the use of historical photographic material in landslide studies.

This paper aims to provide a more comprehensive characterization of piping systems in mountainous areas under a temperate climate using geomorphological mapping and geophysical methods (electrical resistivity to-mography – ERT and ground penetrating radar – GPR). The significance of piping in gully formation and hillslope hydrology has been discussed for many years, and most of the studies are based on surface investigations. However , it seems that most surface investigations underestimate this subsurface process. Therefore, our purpose was to estimate the scale of piping activity based on both surface and subsurface investigations. We used geophysical methods to detect the boundary of lateral water movement fostering pipe development and recognize the internal structure of the underlying materials. The survey was carried out in the Bereźnica Wyżna catchment, in the Bieszczady Mountains. (Eastern Carpathians, Poland), where pipes develop in Cambisols at a mean depth of about 0.7–0.8 m. The geophysical techniques that were used are shown to be successful in identifying pipes. GPR data suggest that the density of piping systems is much larger than that detectible from surface observations alone. Pipe length can be N 6.5–9.2% (maximum = 49%) higher than what surface mapping suggests. Thus, the significance of piping in hillslope hydrology and gully formation can be greater than previously assumed. These results also draw attention to the scale of piping activity in the Carpathians, where this process has been neglected for many years. The ERT profiles reveal areas affected by piping as places of higher resistivity values, which are an effect of a higher content of air-filled pores (due to higher soil porosity, intense biological activity, and well-developed soil structure). In addition, the ERT profiles show that the pipes in the study area develop at the soil–bedrock interface, probably above the layers of shales or mudstones which create a water restrictive layer. Our results illustrate the suitability and limitations of GPR and ERT to study soil piping. In general, geophys-ical surveying is useful for gathering more information on pipe density, potential pipe detection, and recognition of the internal structure of materials underlying the pipes. However, the interpretation of radargrams and ERT profiles should be always accompanied by detailed terrain mapping due to potential disturbances affecting geo-physical profiles.

The Val Viola Pass is a transboundary area between Italy (Val Viola Bormina) and Switzerland (Val da Camp), whose evolution has been triggered, since the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM), by intense reactivation of surface processes. Geomorphological mapping at a scale of 1:5000 provided an understanding of the deglaciation dynamics affecting this region. The geomorphological map (herein presented at scale 1:7000) extends for 5.35 km2 between the elevations of 2305 and 3302 metres above sea level (m a.s.l.). The geomorphological map suggests that the area undergoes geomorphic processes typical of alpine environments of middle latitude, and had experienced a paraglacial-type re-equilibrium related to post-LGM land evolution, with predominant slope and periglacial processes. Moreover, current water action is evident at low elevations. Most of landforms are affected by major regional structures oriented NE-SW. On the Swiss side, specific investigations of the Paradisin rock glacier were performed by Electrical Resistivity Tomography-ERT to determine its internal structure. This was in order to understand its possible cryotic conditions, despite its relict appearance derived from its surface aspect.

This paper presents a multidisciplinary approach for studying the evolution of an alluvial fan system in Lower Khuzestan (SW Iran). The study draws on previously collected data from geological and archaeological field campaigns and new data derived from the interpretation of satellite imagery and historical textual sources. Three alluvial fans were identified, successively deposited by the Jarrahi river in progressively downstream/westward direction. Judging from archaeological and historical evidence, the successive phases appear to coincide with a relocation of settlement and irrigation activities. The distributary system of the present-day fan developed over a period of less than four centuries. It is suggested that management of levee breaks by man played a key role in such rapid fan development and in maintaining extremely low gradients. Judging from the extensive patterns of ancient irrigation canals, human activity also played an important role in the formation of the earlier fans.

Recent advances in the fields of remote sensing and GIS provide the techniques to establish a firm geomorphological framework to the historical and archaeological studies in the Mesopotamian region. This study presents a practical approach for the mapping of the semi-arid, alluvial landscapes of Lower Khuzestan. As elsewhere in Mesopotamia, the landscapes here are strongly affected by anthropogenic processes, most evidently expressed by widespread irrigation patterns. The image interpretation key and map legend are therefore designed explicitly to reflect these typical alluvial and human-induced landforms. The working procedure is based on easily accessible and inexpensive source material, notably Landsat and CORONA imagery, SRTM elevation data and readily available topographical maps, and was successfully applied in a case study on the evolution of the Jarrahi River. The resulting map, together with information from other disciplines, provided insights into the complex landscape evolution of the study area and a useful base for further research.

This paper presents a geomorphological, pedological and geochronological characterization and contextualization of geomorphogenetic, chronomorphological and environmental sequences from the Araraquara area (central São Paulo State, Southeast Brazil), and their relationship to lithic material from hunter-gatherer archaeological lithic sites. A special emphasis is given to a detailed study of the lowlands of the Jacaré-Guaçu River (between the cities of Araraquara and Boa Esperança do Sul, São Paulo state, Brazil), near the Boa Esperança II hunter-gatherer archaeological site, BES II, in an area of clear asymmetry of the alluvial plain and adjacent slopes. Data derived from the survey of estimated morphogenetic and environmental dynamics are used to contextualize the archaeological material of the BES II site, which is discussed as being associated with the Pleistocene-Holocene transition (an unusual occupation age for the Brazil southeast). We pointed to alternation between successions linked to a quaternary manifestation of a longer pattern of changes of lateral flatting processes and stability of base level with others linked to vertical incision and adequacy to a new base level. We propose a geomorphological model for the Lowlands of Jacaré-Guaçu River, highlighting the possibility that the asymmetry of the plain would be linked to a wider heterogeneity of its geomorphological context of semidetails, partially correlated with the overlapping of neotectonic influence and environmental fluctuations. It is suggested that data from the physical environment of the above mentioned lowlands are compatible with absolute ages obtained by OSL (lower terrace Ia, 14,500±3000 years BP, basal gravel level of the surface coverings, to 10,900±1500 and 4090±340 years BP at the sandy soils and sediments above the gravel) and 14 C (8630 years BP, at the level of gleyed sandy-clay soil of 120 cm deep of the low terraces IIa) on archaeological levels of the low terraces of the Jacaré-Guaçu river, in a context of climatic transition from semi-arid conditions to higher humidity, hydrological changes (ephemeral and torrential channels changing to oscillating regimes of perennial channels, with sets of meanders of variable widths of paleochannels, suggesting climatic changes related to the modifications of the fluvial patterns), successive fluctuations (< 10 m) of base levels and large (500 m) lateral migration of the main river to the north guiding the local chronomorphological successions between Late Pleistocene and Late Holocene. The landscape and fluvial dynamics changes over time has influenced the availability of attributes needed for the hunter-gatherer lifestyle (such as fluctuations in the deposition/exposure of river pebbles used as raw material for tool making). Those oscillations are presented as a contribution to explain alternation between more and less dense archaeological levels along the vertical cuts of the low terraces and the location of exception of the BES II site (installed on a fluvial plain and low terraces in a segment characterized by the rarity of rocky outcrops, while most sites in the Araraquara area, Keywords: Fluvial geomorphology; geomorphologic mapping; pedology; Pleistocene-Holocene transition; lithic archaeologic site Resumo

Erg of Gavkhooni Playa is one of the important geomorphologic landforms of Quaternary period in Iran. The area is located on the western part of Gaovkhoni Playa and 140 km to the Southeast of Isfahan, Iran. This study presents a display of landform of Erg and the area has been divided into three parts (NorthCentral and South). The objective of this study is to identify geomorphologic facieses by GIS t and RS. The research method is a processing technique such as basis analyzing, a composite of panchromatic band with multi-spectral band, to examine line spectral curved, to examine optimum composites using an enhancement method such as filtering and contrast. As a result, to display sand landforms and geomorphologic facieses such as Barkhan, Safe, Star hill, playa’s facieses, Skirt and Delta, Sand Zone and the sediment between the hills and geomorphologic landform map are based on Erg of Gavkhoni Playa and geomorphologic facieses of the area. 

Keywords:
Erg Govkhooni Playa, Erg morphology, land sat images, geomorphologic map.

Erg of Gavkhooni Playa is one of the important geomorphologic landforms of Quaternary period in Iran. The area is located on the western part of Gaovkhoni Playa and 140 km to the Southeast of Isfahan, Iran. This study presents a display of landform of Erg and the area has been divided into three parts (North-Central and South). The objective of this study is to identify geomorphologic facieses by GIS t and RS. The research method is a processing technique such as basis analyzing, a composite of panchromatic band with multi-spectral band, to examine line spectral curved, to examine optimum composites using an enhancement method such as filtering and contrast. As a result, to display sand landforms and geomorphologic facieses such as Barkhan, Safe, Star hill, playa’s facieses, Skirt and Delta, Sand Zone and the sediment between the hills and geomorphologic landform map are based on Erg of Gavkhoni Playa and geomorphologic facieses of the area.

Recent advances in the fields of remote sensing and GIS provide the techniques to establish a firm geomorphological framework to the historical and archaeological studies in the Mesopotamian region. This study presents a practical approach for the mapping of the semi-arid, alluvial landscapes of Lower Khuzestan. As elsewhere in Mesopotamia, the landscapes here are strongly affected by anthropogenic processes, most evidently expressed by widespread irrigation patterns. The image interpretation key and map legend are therefore designed explicitly to reflect these typical alluvial and human-induced landforms. The working procedure is based on easily accessible and inexpensive source material, notably Landsat and CORONA imagery, SRTM elevation data and readily available topographical maps, and was successfully applied in a case study on the evolution of the Jarrahi River. The resulting map, together with information from other disciplines, provided insights into the complex landscape evolution of the study area and a useful base for further research.